Bruce Donald, UK and Ireland Manager for digital locking experts SimonsVoss, discusses the ongoing shift towards digital access and security solutions within the UK’s BTR and rental sector.

The UK’s Build-to-Rent (BTR) and private rental sector is expanding rapidly, driven by urbanisation, rising house prices, and increasing demand for high-quality, professionally managed rental homes.

However, with this growth comes mounting challenges for landlords and property managers. High tenant turnover, security risks, and outdated key-based systems are straining operational efficiency and increasing costs.

Traditional locks and physical keys no longer fit the needs of a sector that demands flexibility, security, and streamlined property management.

The million-dollar question is: how can landlords ensure seamless access control while improving efficiency and tenant satisfaction?

Enter digital access control solutions – smart, keyless systems that provide landlords, building managers, and holiday let owners with a secure, efficient, and scalable way to manage their properties.

Addressing high tenant turnover with smart access control

One of the most pressing issues in rental properties – especially in high-turnover markets like BTR developments and holiday lets – is managing access when tenants move in and out.

Traditional keys present significant security risks and administrative burdens.

Lost, stolen, or unreturned keys often require locks to be changed, incurring unnecessary costs and logistical headaches.

By replacing physical keys with digital credentials – such as fobs, keycards, PIN codes, or even smartphone access – building managers and property owners can seamlessly grant and revoke access remotely.

When a tenant vacates, their access can be deactivated instantly, ensuring security without requiring a physical lock change.

For landlords managing multiple units, this is a game-changer. Instead of coordinating physical key handovers or relying on locksmiths, access permissions can be updated remotely from a centralised platform, saving time, money, and hassle.

Enhancing security while improving convenience

Security is a major concern for both landlords and tenants. Digital access control provides enhanced security features, including:

· Customisable access permissions – Restrict access to maintenance areas and communal spaces based on tenant or staff roles.

· Real-time monitoring – Track who enters and exits, providing full visibility and security oversight.

· Remote access management – Issue or revoke access instantly from anywhere, reducing reliance on on-site staff.

Beyond security, digital solutions improve tenant convenience.

Now becoming more and more popular, is mobile app integration which allows residents to access their homes and shared spaces – such as gyms and parking areas – with their smartphones, meeting modern tenant expectations.

This digital trend in access control and security aligns with a wider demand for digital services from today’s tenants.

The Assocation for Rental Living states that 91% of all apartment residents are likely to use a mobile device the next time they are looking for an apartment.

According to NMHC and Kingsley, 58% of renters would rather pay rent using a resident portal on their mobile, rather than a property website via a laptop or desktop computer.

It’s clear, the demand from renters for digital and smartphone accessibility is here to stay. Why shouldn’t access control and security be added to this digital mix too?

The Financial and Operational Advantages for Property Managers For property managers overseeing large rental portfolios, digital access solutions provide substantial financial and operational benefits:

· Lower maintenance costs – No more lock replacements or key duplication expenses.

· Reduced admin workload – Faster access management means fewer staffing and logistical issues.

· Scalability – Digital systems grow with each portfolio, allowing for seamless expansion.

· Regulatory compliance – Many digital locking solutions meet UK security and fire safety standards.

By implementing a keyless access system, property managers can future-proof their security infrastructure, making operations smoother and more resilient to industry changes.

A Smart Investment for Holiday Lets and Short-Term Rentals The holiday rental market, including platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, is booming.

However, managing guest access presents unique challenges. Traditional lockboxes or in-person key handovers are inconvenient, insecure, and prone to mishaps.

Recent developments in Dublin highlight these challenges. The city council has announced plans to remove and destroy lockboxes that have been attached to bike stands and street signage by short-term rental hosts.

Citing trip hazards and security concerns, authorities argue that these boxes contribute to public nuisance.

Dublin now joins cities like Paris in banning keyboxes in public spaces, requiring landlords to move them to private property.

This crackdown reflects growing concerns around the security risks associated with unmanaged access points.

With cities tightening regulations, digital access control offers a more sustainable and compliant solution for short-term rental hosts.

Digital locks eliminate the need for external key storage, allowing hosts to grant time-limited access remotely and ensuring a seamless, secure, and hassle-free experience for both guests and property owners.

Smart access control provides a game-changing solution:

· Automated guest check-in and check-out – Hosts can grant time-limited access to guests remotely, avoiding the need for physical key exchanges.

· Increased security – No more risks associated with guests losing or copying keys.

· Enhanced guest experience – Seamless, app-based entry enhances convenience and aligns with modern traveller expectations.

For landlords running multiple holiday lets, digital locks provide an invaluable tool to streamline operations, reduce overheads, and enhance security.

Compliance and safety considerations

Security and convenience are important, but compliance with UK regulations is equally critical.

When selecting a digital access system, property managers must ensure that the technology meets fire safety standards, particularly for doors that need to function as fire exits.

Digital locking systems can integrate seamlessly with third-party fire door hardware, ensuring compliance with CE marking requirements and additional UK fire safety legislation.

Future-proofing the rental sector with digital access

With technology evolving rapidly, landlords and property managers who invest in digital access control today will be better positioned to meet future security demands and tenant expectations.

By integrating secure, scalable, and flexible access control systems, the rental market can overcome its key security challenges while delivering greater convenience and efficiency for all stakeholders.

With growing demand for smart, hassle-free living solutions, the future of rental security is undoubtedly digital.

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